(This story was originally published here.)
The Wedowee Utilities Board will have to pay thousands in IRS fees and penalties for failures from 2020 through 2025.
During the regular board meeting on Wednesday, executive director Randy Benefield said the penalties are in addition to other issues the board has previously discussed.
“This just came in,” said Benefield. “Some new stuff that we’re having to pay for some tax stuff from 2020 to 2025, and it does show the importance of making sure you pay your taxes on time because there’s a very little bit of taxes, like $6,000 or something, and the rest of it is penalties and fees that equal up to almost $40,000.”
Benefield said he has negotiated with the IRS for a penalty credit.
“They’ll only do one, and we’ll take the largest credit, which I hope the largest penalty is around $17,000,” Benefield explained. “So, we’re hoping to save that amount of money, but they’ll only give us one credit.”
Chairman Barry Waldrep said the utility is now up to date and is set to pay future debts on time.
The Board also hired attorney Bill Proctor of Sylacauga for outside representation, as City Attorney Chad Lee serves both the City and the Wedowee Utilities Board. The Board will continue to contract with Lee but will retain Proctor for $500 per month.
